Chapter 64: The election of an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 1-2)
The grounds on which a candidate is elected abbot or abbess must be the quality of their monastic life and the wisdom of their teaching, even if they are the last in order in the community. (From para. 1 of Ch. 64 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
Jean Vanier says: "Some people have a true gift of discernment. They can seize what is essential in a complicated discussion or a confused story. They are quick to understand what is really needed and at the same time, if they are practical, they can suggest the first steps towards putting people on the road to healing. Some people in a community who do not have an important position may have this gift of light for us. We must learn to listen to them."
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“The Force that thru the green fuse drives the flower”, sings Bob Dylan. “Look at the lilies of the field . . . not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of them, says Jesus.” Like the abbot or abbess, I, too, am “elected” by you, Abba. You, the Great Artist have arrayed, decked out, me, too, better than Solomon. My challenge is to let go and be the unique blossom, the unique creation that you, the Force within and about me, have made and are making at this very moment. Meditation and the mantra are my pathway, my “green fuse-way”.
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